A POPULAR four-star hotel near to the M25 in south Essex has closed its doors after more than 50 years of "laughter, celebrations, and memories".

De Rougemont Manor Hotel, in Great Warley Street, near Brentwood, closed its doors on Sunday morning, marking the end of an "unforgettable" 55 years in business, associate director Sam Banks announced on social media.

The family-run hotel offered a gym, tennis courts and a heated outdoor swimming pool, and was a well-known destination for weddings and functions for residents across south Essex.

This closure comes after plans to develop the hotel into housing were passed at the third attempt in March last year. The site is set to be developed into 43 homes consisting of apartments, detached, semi-detached and terraced houses.

In a statement on social media, Sam Banks said: "I want to take a moment to personally recognize the Hilton family, Davine, Victoria, Jason, and their late father, Ian Hilton. With a vison in the early days of turning a Manor House into a hotel and country club, they succeeded.

"Over the past 55 years, they’ve done so much more than build and run this hotel; they’ve lived it. Growing up within these walls, they poured their heart and soul into making it what it is today - a place filled with warmth, hospitality, and genuine care.

"I’ve been lucky enough to witness that dedication first hand over my 16 years here, and it’s been an honour to work alongside them,".

The hotel first welcomed guests in 1969 as The New World Inn and expanded over the years to become a well-known venue in the area.

"To our amazing staff, past and present, you are the true heartbeat of this place," Mr Banks continued.

"Your passion, dedication, and hard work are why our guests have left with smiles, fond memories, and so many reasons to return. I’m incredibly proud to have worked alongside each and every one of you. Thank you for everything.

"And to you, our guests, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for trusting us with your most precious moments. Whether you visited us just once or became part of the De Rougemont family, your support has meant the world to me, and to all of us here.

"Although we’re closing our doors today, the memories we’ve created together will live on. I know I’ll be carrying them with me forever, and I’m sure many of you will too."